Is Olive Oil in Coffee a New Trend Worth Trying?

Is your morning coffee a plain black coffee? That's so last year.

We’ve been getting a lot of questions lately about a new trend that’s been popping up all over social media: adding olive oil to coffee.

Thanks to the Starbucks Oleato, this concept is fully trending and there's a pretty even mix of outrage and excitement.

As producers of extra virgin olive oil, we are always excited to find new ways to use EVOO. With that said, some of us were skeptical. How would the flavors pair? Do you still add creamer and sugar if that's what you prefer? How much do you add to reap the benefits but it not mask the coffee flavor?

So we've decided to test it out, do some research, and give you a comprehensive guide on the coffee and olive oil trend.

Why is Olive Oil in Coffee Trending?

Starbucks coffee introduced the Oleato line, and it's been a hot topic ever since. This olive oil-infused coffee has been taking the world by storm with it's unique flavor and health benefits. Just a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil is a great way to easily add more healthy fats into your diet - and people are starting to catch on.

Olive oil has long been a staple in the Mediterranean diet, which has also been trending for quite some time.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes whole, plant-based foods, healthy fats such as olive oil, and lean proteins, and has been linked to a reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Adding olive oil to your coffee is a simple way to incorporate the health benefits of this traditional Mediterranean ingredient into your daily routine.

The History of Olive Oil in Coffee

The trend of adding olive oil to coffee is believed to have originated in the Middle East, where it’s known as “bulletproof coffee”. This is because it’s often combined with other ingredients like grass-fed butter or coconut oil to create a high-fat, low-carb drink that can provide a quick energy boost.

However, adding olive oil to coffee has recently become popular in the Western world, where it’s being promoted as a healthier alternative to other popular coffee additions like cream and sugar. Olive oil is rich in healthy fats and antioxidants, making it a great choice for anyone looking to boost their coffee’s health benefits.

What are the Health Benefits of Olive Oil?

Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, vitamin e, and anti-inflammatory compounds that can support heart health, blood pressure, improve cognitive function, reduce the risk of heart disease, and reduce inflammation in the body. When consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, olive oil can be a flavorful and nutritious addition to your coffee or other meals.

When you add it to your coffee, you’re not only getting the benefits of the coffee itself but also the additional benefits of the olive oil.

One of the main benefits of adding olive oil to coffee is that it can help keep you full for longer. The healthy fats in the oil can help slow down the absorption of caffeine, which can help prevent the jitters and crashes that can come with drinking too much coffee.

Additionally, the fat in olive oil can help curb hunger and promote satiety, making it a great addition for anyone looking to manage their weight.

Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your body against damage from free radicals. This can help prevent chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease, as well as promote healthy skin and hair.

How Can I Make Olive Oil Coffee Taste Delicious?

If you’re new to adding olive oil to your coffee, you might be wondering how to make it taste good. The key is to use high-quality first cold pressed olive oil and to add it in the right way.

When adding olive oil to your coffee, it’s important to start with a small spoonful of olive oil and work your way up. A good rule of thumb is to start with about 1 teaspoon of olive oil for every cup of coffee. You can then adjust the amount based on your personal preference. Once you're comfortable with the addition of olive oil into your coffee, you can increase to a tablespoon of olive oil (basically a shot).

To add the olive oil to your coffee, simply pour your coffee into a blender and add the olive oil. Blend on high for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the oil is fully emulsified and the coffee has a creamy texture. You can also use a milk frother or immersion blender to achieve the same effect.

Should I add Creamer or Sugar to My Olive Oil Coffee?

Whether or not to add creamer, sugar, or other ingredients to your olive oil coffee is entirely up to personal preference. Some people find that the addition of a small amount of honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar can complement the flavors of the olive oil and coffee, while others prefer to enjoy it without any added sweeteners.

As for creamer, some people find that the addition of milk or cream can mask the flavors of the olive oil and coffee, while others enjoy the added creaminess it provides. If you do choose to add creamer, you may want to consider using a non-dairy option, such as almond milk, oat milk, or coconut cream, to keep the flavor profile in line with the health benefits of the olive oil.

Ultimately, the beauty of olive oil coffee is that it is highly customizable. You can experiment with different types of coffee, different ratios of coffee to olive oil, and different additional ingredients until you find the perfect combination that suits your taste buds. Just remember to start with a small amount of olive oil and work your way up to avoid overpowering the flavor of the coffee.

How to Pair Olive Oil with Certain Types of Coffee

You may be wondering how adding olive oil works with different coffee beverages. Here are some tips on how to add olive oil to different coffee beverages and additions:

1. Hot Black Coffee: Add a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per cup) to your hot black coffee and stir well. This will add a creamy texture and a nutty flavor to your coffee.
2. Espresso: To add olive oil to your espresso, simply add a small amount (about 1/2 teaspoon) of olive oil to your espresso shot after it has been pulled. Stir gently and enjoy the unique flavor and creamy texture that the olive oil adds to your espresso.
3. Latte or Cappuccino: These popular coffee beverages are made with espresso and steamed milk (with different ratios and amounts). However, adding EVOO is the same for both! To add olive oil to your latte or capuccino, start by adding a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) to your espresso shot. You will then top with your steamed milk and foam, and stir gently.
4. Cold Coffee Beverages: Olive oil can be added to cold coffee beverages, such as iced coffee or cold brew, to enhance their flavor and texture. To add olive oil to a cold coffee beverage, start by blending your coffee with ice, milk, or a milk alternative. Then, add a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per cup) and blend until smooth.
5. Iced Cortado: An iced cortado is a simple coffee beverage made with equal parts espresso and cold milk. To add olive oil to an iced cortado, start by adding a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon) to your espresso shot. Then, pour in an equal amount of cold milk and stir well.
6. Cold Foam: Cold foam is a popular addition to many coffee beverages, and olive oil can be added to it for a unique flavor twist. To make cold foam with olive oil, combine cold milk or a milk alternative with a small amount of olive oil (about 1 teaspoon per cup) in a frother or blender. Froth or blend until the mixture becomes light and frothy, then spoon it onto your coffee.

How to Choose the Right Olive Oil For Coffee

When it comes to choosing the right type of olive oil for your coffee, the best option is to use a delicate or medium intensity cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil.

Delicate olive oils have a mild and buttery flavor with little to no bitterness or pungency. They are typically made from riper olives and are harvested earlier in the season. These oils are perfect for adding a subtle creaminess to your coffee without overpowering the flavor.

Medium-intensity olive oils have a slightly more pronounced flavor profile than delicate oils. They have a fruity and slightly bitter taste with a hint of pepper. These oils are made from a blend of riper and greener olives and are harvested later in the season.

Robust olive oils, on the other hand, have a strong and pungent flavor with a peppery finish. They are made from mostly green olives and are harvested late in the season. While robust olive oils can be great for cooking and dressing salads, they are typically too strong to be used in coffee.

So, when choosing an olive oil for your coffee, look for a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil with a mild or medium intensity flavor profile. These oils will add a delicious creamy texture to your coffee without overpowering its taste.

Olive Oil in Coffee Not For Digestive Issues

While adding olive oil to your coffee can be a delicious and healthy way to start your day, there are some precautions to keep in mind.

Olive oil and coffee can both have an impact on digestion, and consuming them together could potentially exacerbate digestive issues in some individuals.

Olive oil is a high-fat food that can be difficult to digest, particularly in larger quantities. Although it's good for gut health, consuming too much olive oil can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. While using a small amount of olive oil in your coffee is unlikely to cause digestive issues for most people, those with sensitive digestive systems or preexisting digestive issues may experience discomfort.

Coffee is a well-known gastrointestinal irritant due to its caffeine content. Caffeine can increase stomach acid production and stimulate bowel movements, which can lead to diarrhea or digestive discomfort in some people. Additionally, the acidity of coffee can irritate the lining of the stomach and exacerbate conditions like acid reflux or gastritis.

When consumed together, the combination of coffee and olive oil could potentially cause digestive issues in some individuals. However, the likelihood and severity of any digestive issues will depend on individual tolerance and consumption levels. It's always a good idea to listen to your body and be mindful of any digestive discomfort or changes that occur after consuming olive oil and coffee.

Enjoy Your Coffee With Some Olive Oil!

So yes, adding olive oil to your coffee is a trend that’s definitely worth trying. Not only can it add a delicious creamy texture to your coffee, but it can also provide some surprising health benefits.

When choosing an olive oil for your coffee, look for a high-quality extra-virgin oil with a mild flavor and a recent harvest date.

Start with a small amount and work your way up until you find the perfect balance of coffee and olive oil. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of coffee and different brewing methods to find your perfect cup of olive oil coffee.